Fixed-pattern noise impact on pilotage sensor performance

Area of Science:

• Electro-optical sensor performance analysis
• Image processing for remote sensing
• Human-computer interaction in aviation

Background:

• Fixed-pattern noise (FPN) and temporal noise (TN) degrade electro-optical sensor performance.
• Pilotage performance is directly impacted by sensor noise, especially during dynamic scenarios.
• Dynamic Minimum Resolvable Temperature (DMRT) testing is a key metric for assessing sensor noise effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To simulate and measure dynamic MRT (DMRT) results based on target velocity.
• To determine how apparent object motion, influenced by sensor noise, affects pilotage.
• To predict the impact of FPN on pilotage optical flow fields.

Main Methods:

• Utilized simulation to analyze DMRT as a function of target velocity.
• Employed the Recurrent All-Pairs Field Transforms (RAfTs) model to measure optical flow.
• Quantified apparent object speeds from imagery of high-speed nap-of-the-earth and slow, high-altitude helicopter flights.
• Applied FPN impact from DMRT tests to the pilotage optical flow field.

Main Results:

• The study quantified the distribution of apparent object speeds during different flight scenarios.
• The impact of FPN on pilotage optical flow was successfully simulated and analyzed.
• Apparent motion significantly influences the degradation of pilotage performance due to FPN.

Conclusions:

• Simulated DMRT testing effectively predicts the impact of FPN on pilotage performance.
• Understanding apparent motion in optical flow fields is crucial for mitigating sensor noise effects.
• This research provides a method for assessing sensor noise impact in dynamic operational environments.